Macro and Rome's modern art museums left without director as contract expires

Federica Pirani's contract as director of Rome's modern and contemporary art museums expired on June 30, 2016, leaving the Macro and six other municipal museums without leadership. Pirani, a Sovrintendenza official, had won the position through a public competition under former mayor Marino. Her contract was extended by commissioner Tronca but lapsed with the new administration. The personnel director Laura Benente noted the expiration without consulting the newly elected mayor Virginia Raggi or the newly appointed culture assessor Luca Bergamo, who officially took office on July 7. Bergamo now faces the challenge of quickly appointing a new director, either through a new competition or direct nomination. The delay threatens cultural programming, including the reopening of Palazzo Braschi. Separately, an ordinance by Tronca that kept peddlers and gladiators away from central archaeological areas also expired on June 30, leading to their return near the Colosseum. Superintendent Francesco Prosperetti has urged Raggi to issue a new ordinance, but no response has been given.